2024 Volkswagen Taos

Volkswagen’s entry-level Taos is a compelling small SUV that combines big interior space with a tidy exterior and efficient powertrain. Its impressive suite of safety systems also makes it especially appealing to families. For 2023, Volkswagen made forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection standard across the Taos line, along with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. For 2024, VW is building on that by standardizing its full IQ.Drive advanced driver-assist suite across the Taos lineup.

What’s New?
Every Volkswagen with an automatic transmission, including the Taos, now gets standard IQ.Drive for the 2024 model year. IQ.Drive incorporates safety tech such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure steering assist with active lane-centering steering, giving the driver a second set of eyes (or sensors) on the road at all times.

Additionally, all trim levels of the Taos now get automatic high-beam headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a heated steering wheel. Base SE variants also now come with dual-zone automatic climate control, and a new SE Black Package that includes black wheels, roof and other exterior accents.

Trim Levels and Pricing
On sale now, the 2024 Taos is available in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL. All are powered by a 158-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive is standard on the S and SE, while the SEL is only available with 4Motion all-wheel drive. Front-drive models use an eight-speed automatic transmission; AWD variants have a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. AWD costs $2,340 on the S and just $1,450 on the SE. Full line pricing is as follows (all prices include a $1,350 destination charge):

• S: $25,345
• SE: $29,515
• SEL: $34,865

Rolling on 17-inch wheels, the S is pretty basic. Standard equipment includes cloth seats — manually adjustable for the driver — and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth. Moving up to the SE gets 18-inch wheels, as well as synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats (which are power adjustable for the driver and manually for the passenger), dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start, and remote start.

The SEL includes 19-inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof and adaptive headlights that rotate to better illuminate turns. Inside, it boasts a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, real leather seating, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, navigation and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system with a subwoofer.